Alan Hamel, the longtime television producer and widower of beloved actress Suzanne Somers, has entered a new chapter in his life — one that has surprised many but is rooted in decades of mutual respect and familiarity. After more than 50 years of partnership with Somers, who passed away in October 2023 after a long battle with breast cancer, Hamel has begun dating actress Joanna Cassidy, a name familiar to fans of classic Hollywood and someone who once worked alongside Somers in a notable project.
Hamel, who is now 88 years old, shared the news in a recent interview, confirming that he and Cassidy, 79, are in the early stages of a romantic relationship. The pair were recently spotted enjoying a dinner outing in Malibu, California, a sighting that prompted media speculation, which Hamel has now addressed with candor and sincerity.
A History That Dates Back Nearly Five Decades
The bond between Alan Hamel and Joanna Cassidy is not sudden or random. In fact, the two have known each other for over 45 years. Their professional paths first crossed in the 1970s when Cassidy appeared as a guest on The Alan Hamel Show, a Canadian talk show hosted by Hamel. At the time, both Hamel and Cassidy were married to other people, and their interaction remained respectful and professional, marked by mutual admiration.
Their connection was further strengthened in 1985 when Joanna Cassidy co-starred alongside Suzanne Somers in the TV miniseries Hollywood Wives. The series, based on Jackie Collins’ best-selling novel, was a star-studded drama featuring a glamorous cast that included Candice Bergen, Stefanie Powers, and Angie Dickinson. During the production, Hamel and Cassidy interacted occasionally but never moved beyond cordial acquaintanceship.
Years passed, and both continued their respective careers and lives. Hamel remained steadfastly devoted to Somers, who became a household name thanks to her roles in Three’s Company, Step by Step, and American Graffiti, as well as her bestselling books and wellness brand. Cassidy, meanwhile, built a respected acting career with memorable performances in Blade Runner, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and the HBO series Six Feet Under, where she played the recurring role of Margaret Chenowith.
Reconnecting Through Family
Their renewed connection came about under unexpected circumstances. After Somers’ passing, Hamel’s adult son from a previous marriage, Stephen Hamel — a film producer known for his work on movies like Passengers — met Joanna Cassidy at a film screening. During their conversation, he had the sense that she and his father might get along well and suggested they should meet.
What Stephen didn’t realize at the time was that Cassidy and Hamel already had a shared history. Nonetheless, his suggestion served as a catalyst for their reconnection. With both now single, the chemistry that once existed in a purely professional form evolved into something deeper and more personal.
Suzanne Somers’ Final Wish: For Hamel to Love Again
Alan Hamel has spoken openly about how deeply he mourned the death of Suzanne Somers. The two were married in 1977 and remained together for nearly five decades. Their relationship was widely admired for its strength, warmth, and enduring affection. Somers’ passing left a significant void in Hamel’s life.
However, during her final days, Somers made it clear that she wanted Hamel to carry on and find happiness even after she was gone. Aware of her prognosis and the challenges her husband would face, she told him not to spend the rest of his life mourning. Instead, she encouraged him to embrace life and keep moving forward.
Hamel, who had never dated anyone else seriously since he met Somers, described himself as a “virgin dater.” Despite that, he found himself gradually opening up to the idea of companionship again — a difficult but ultimately healing journey.
Joanna Cassidy: A Celebrated Career and Private Life
Joanna Cassidy brings to the relationship not only a long-standing history with Hamel but also a storied career and a strong sense of independence. She began acting in the late 1960s and became well-known in the 1980s for playing intelligent, complex women in both film and television.
She’s perhaps best recognized for her role as Zhora in Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner and as Dolores in Who Framed Roger Rabbit. She also starred in Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead and became a fan favorite as Brenda’s flamboyant mother in Six Feet Under. Beyond her career, Cassidy has been described as kind, witty, and active — traits that Hamel greatly admires.
Cassidy was previously married to Dr. Kennard Kobrin, with whom she shares children. Though she’s always kept much of her personal life out of the spotlight, friends describe her as thoughtful, nurturing, and deeply grounded.
Coping with Grief While Embracing New Joy
For Hamel, stepping into a new relationship doesn’t mean letting go of the past. On the contrary, he has said that he continues to feel deeply connected to Suzanne Somers and credits her with being the heart and soul of their family.
In interviews after Somers’ death, Hamel reflected on their partnership, saying that they always believed he would pass first because he was older by a decade. The idea that she would be left alone had worried him. When the reverse happened, the loneliness he felt was profound. But even through his grief, he held onto her words and her wish that he continue to live a full and meaningful life.
Now, he believes that his relationship with Joanna Cassidy is part of that journey — a way of honoring Suzanne’s final request while also allowing himself to heal and experience companionship once more.
Moving Forward with Openness
Alan Hamel has not made any claims about where the relationship is headed long term, and he’s not rushing anything. He simply says that he and Cassidy enjoy each other’s company, share laughter, and respect each other’s lives and histories. He acknowledges that their bond is still developing but describes it as a joyful part of his life during a time of transition.
He also emphasizes that this new relationship doesn’t erase the love he had for Suzanne Somers. Instead, it’s a continuation of the lessons she taught him — about resilience, love, and living fully, even in the face of deep personal loss.
Alan Hamel’s story is one of enduring love, grief, and the possibility of renewal. His relationship with Joanna Cassidy reminds us that healing takes many forms and that meaningful connections can resurface even after years apart. With Suzanne Somers’ blessing and his family’s support, Hamel is choosing to embrace companionship once again — with someone who shares not just his memories but his respect for a woman they both held dear.
